Over the years I had heard a lot of good things about the San Juan Islands up in Northern Washington. I think it first started with rave reviews of a cultish summer camp called Four Winds, but the praise continued with pretty much anyone who had ever visited the small island chain that boarders Canada. The islands are only accessed by ferry (or fixed wing plane), and it just so happens that the ferry terminal to bump out to them was in the neighboring town of Bellingham, which is the port I arrived at coming South from Alaska. After a four day relaxing slow boat cruise what do you need? Yep, that's right – a few relaxing days on some sleepy islands.
My mom flew up and met me in Bellingham, and we shot out to Orcas Island for a few days of relaxing with a little activity and sightseeing. We made our base on the Southeast side of the East Sound in Rosario, which was conveniently located next to Moran State Park – also just a few minutes from the quaint town of Eastsound. Some highlights of the trip included a whale watching excursion in the islands to the Northwest of Orcas (no whales unfortunately), a nice hike or two in Moran State Park, an amazingly tasty brunch at hippy dippy Doe Bay (actually great food as a whole on the island), and the constant stunning bay views from our hilltop pad. For us Californians, the islands are not close or easy to get to, but definitely are worth a visit.
 |
| We've arrived and unload Silvia on at the ferry terminal on Orcas Island |
 |
| A look at Rosario Resort from the beach |
 |
| Not a bad view from our suite-apartment above the bay at Rosario |
 |
| Interesting things on our beach walk |
 |
| Wood warped from the sun and the sea |
 |
| Local art in the town of Eastsound |
 |
| Orca on the brain here on Orcas Island |
 |
| Some huge Sea Lions on the point of Echo Island |
 |
| Patos Island lighthouse |
 |
| Mom on the lookout for some marine wildlife |
 |
| No whales but lots of big critters |
 |
| Me scanning for the big mammals |
 |
| Sunrise views from my bedroom window |
 |
| Lone meditator over at Doe Bay |
 |
| Cascade Falls on our hike in Moran State Park |
 |
| Mom & Me at the falls |
 |
| Some dramatic scenery on our hike past Mountain Lake |
 |
| More drama on Orcas |
 |
| View South of the San Juans from Mt. Constitution |
 |
| We had a whale of a time on Orcas Island |
No comments:
Post a Comment